Chicago, IL September 2023

 With Saylor engaged at the U and Hudson busy with school and a girlfriend travel for just us parents is becoming the norm.

 

I had a late September business trip to Chicago and Cindy had the flexibility to join me. We flew in early for a few days on our own.

 

The first stop on the trip was of course food related. We heard about this place called Manny’s that is an institution of a Jewish deli. Cafeteria style eating with trays you slide past the cooks who will assemble your meal. They offered everything from chop liver to a whitefish platter. The pastrami sandwich and matza soup were 10s and the potato pancake with sour cream on the side is a new favorite. Had to have round two and opted for a corn beef sandwich which met New Yorker standards.

 

Our hotel was a very vanilla Sheraton. Fortunately, they put us in a high up room with big views of the river and the lake. A great perch to watch the marine activity go by from. We took a quick nap to recharge after the early flight and then headed out to explore. 

 

The river is a wonderful walk along people watch and stop for a drink or a bite. Being boaters, we thought it would be so fun cruising along with friends looking up at the city. Many people were doing this on private boats and we in turn jumped on an architectural river cruise. Such an appealing city and no better way to see it from the water. Lots of great stories on historic events, transformation of the city and rundown of who’s who. We would totally recommend the tour to anyone visiting.    Tip: be sure to get in line early to board the boat.  You will want to sit in the middle. We sat on a side and always seemed to be cranking our neck back and forth. 

 

We had to try some pizza and heard the locals don’t eat thick crust all the much. Following some good reviews, we found a place for a beer and a pie. Very good although the view over the water was even better.

 

As always, I never seem to find time for a haircut and tend to squeeze one in on travel. Finding a place at short notice was harder than expected with nowhere to take a walk in. We finally found a place that was very middle eastern in flavor and service a clientele that was predominantly Iranian. At least according to the barber. The haircut cost a whopping $60 and included the best edging job ever!

 

A Seafood tower has been a bucket list item for Cindy forever. We had dinner at the steakhouse Mastros and our host was kind enough to indulge. The multilayer display showed up billowing smoke and was covered in lobster, oysters, shrimp, and crab Lemke. Without even the little-ist bit of shame team Lemke did their part!

 

London house for a drink overlooking the river at night which was spectacular and god awful expensive.

 

Dot Dot Dash was a speak easy underground bar known for sugary and wacky Polynesian drinks. A fun place but self-proclaimed Chief Lapalapa hosted the event for us. He also happens to make his living running the sales department at Andy’s company.   

 

For our last meal we in the city we stopped in the Stumbling Goat. An old school haunt under street level where reporters, lawman and celebrities came to trade stories. It’s also SNL famous for the Chee burger Chee burger Chee burger line. We of course grabbed a couple of cheeseburgers but missed the reputed salty wait staff service.

 

With a long flight ahead, we grabbed a quick bite at Rick Bayless’ airport outpost, Frontera something or other. His restaurants in town are renowned for upscale Mexican and Andy’s 2^nd favorite margarita. The airport location was loosely related although very good. While at our table an elderly women lost her balance and took a tumble. She came up bloody and shaken and fortunately with her wits intact. A passing veterinarian did what he could to take care of her and we were able to track down her husband. After a bit it seemed they were ok to continue with their journey. Inspiring to feel some good in the world with people willing to help a stranger in need.

 

Cousin Felix says there is no better place than Chicago in the summer. We thought it was great although it’s not about to displace July in Seattle and our beloved islands!

 

I have been to Chicago many times, and this was the first time I got why so many people love it. Spectacular weather and a gamer of a travel partner made it that much better.